In the bustling borough of Queens, New York, the Walk In Victory blog continues to be a beacon of inspiration, offering deep, thought-provoking conversations. I’m NaRon Tillman, and in today’s episode, we explore the art of overcoming procrastination with Eric M. Twiggs, author of The Discipline of Now and podcast host of The 30 Minute Hour. Eric’s journey is a powerful testament to the importance of taking action and seizing the moment. Join us as we dive into his personal and professional experiences, which reveal valuable lessons on conquering procrastination and mastering the discipline of now.
The Universal Struggle: Procrastination
We kicked off our conversation by addressing something nearly everyone struggles with—procrastination. Eric’s insight hit home:
"Sometimes you may succumb to procrastination. And procrastination is funny because we may be definitive in certain areas of our life and procrastinate in other areas."
This observation is a reminder that even the most decisive individuals may have blind spots when it comes to tackling specific goals. Recognizing this is the first step toward overcoming it.
The Discipline of Now: A Life Philosophy
Eric’s book, The Discipline of Now, is more than just a catchy title—it’s a philosophy he practices daily. One of the key elements he emphasizes is acting immediately on ideas and opportunities.
"The discipline of now is inspired by some of the mentors I have and the people who are killing the game. They have this discipline of now, meaning they act instantly on great ideas."
This distinction between successful individuals and those who struggle often boils down to one simple practice: taking action without delay.
Real-Life Inspirations and Lessons
Eric’s journey was shaped by personal tragedy and professional lessons. One pivotal moment was the passing of his close friend Donnell during their college years. This loss instilled in Eric a deep appreciation for the finite nature of time.
"It sent me a message that maybe I don’t have the time I think I do to achieve what I want," Eric reflected.
This realization was further reinforced during his career in the automotive industry, where he saw the stark difference between those who act decisively and those who don’t. "I could have two managers with the same level of know-how, but the one who got great results was the one who did what needed to be done, whether they felt like it or not," he shared.
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
A major part of overcoming procrastination involves challenging limiting beliefs. Eric stressed this with one simple but profound statement:
"Don’t believe everything you think."
Our minds often create barriers to protect us from perceived risks, which can lead to hesitation and inaction. By practicing mindfulness and meditation, we can increase awareness of these thoughts and choose to act regardless of our internal resistance.
"One of the big benefits of yoga and meditation is you start to become aware of your thoughts. You start to notice when that lizard brain voice is talking and not listen to it," he explained.
Practical Strategies to Stay on Track
Eric offers practical, actionable steps for those seeking to master procrastination. One of his top strategies is breaking down large, intimidating goals into smaller, manageable 90-day segments.
"It's easier to focus by saying, 'from now until March,' and then reset again in April. That’s a lot more manageable than tracking something over a whole year," he advises.
Eric also emphasizes the importance of understanding the deep emotional reasons behind your goals. "I’ll keep asking why until we hit an emotional nerve," he shared. This ensures that your goals are aligned with your passions, making them more compelling to pursue.
Podcasting as a Growth Tool
In addition to being an author, Eric co-hosts The 30 Minute Hour podcast, a platform that has become a vehicle for his own continuous growth. "It's like free coaching. I get to talk to some of these people who charge $25,000 an hour and get their wisdom for free," he said enthusiastically.
Through these conversations, Eric not only expands his own knowledge but also provides his listeners with invaluable insights, making his podcast a powerful resource for personal and professional growth.
Key Takeaways for Overcoming Procrastination
- Act Instantly: Cultivate the discipline of now by taking immediate action on good ideas.
- Stay Aware: Use mindfulness to become more aware of procrastination-inducing thoughts and overcome them.
- Set Short-Term Goals: Break down your annual goals into 90-day segments for sustained motivation.
- Know Your Why: Align your goals with your deeper emotions and desires to maintain focus.
- Challenge Your Thoughts: Don’t let limiting beliefs dictate your actions—recognize when your mind is holding you back and push through.
Conclusion
Eric M. Twiggs’ insights into procrastination and the power of now are invaluable for anyone seeking to overcome delay and achieve their goals. His journey reminds us that success comes to those who seize opportunities in the present moment and align their actions with their passions.
To dive deeper into this powerful conversation, listen to the full episode of the Walk In Victory podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on more inspiring stories and actionable advice.
